Search form

Representing the 9th District of Florida

Energy & Environment

Darren is committed to expanding our energy mix by incentivizing renewable energy such as solar, wind, biofuels, and hydropower. Hailing from the Sunshine State, he understands the importance of solar, in particular, to assist with peak generation demands in the middle of an average Florida day when the sun is shining and the air conditioners are running.

Darren also believes we must maintain reliable and affordable electric service by ensuring that our push for renewable diversity is in harmony with continued use of natural gas and nuclear power as appropriate.

It is critical that we meet the energy demands of today while developing the clean energy technology of tomorrow. It is up to today’s leaders to embrace the long term challenge of combating climate change and saving our planet for future generations.

We must also protect Florida's natural beauty, pristine beaches and long-term water supply. It is important for our quality of life, and for our economy. As a result, Darren opposes off-shore drilling near Florida's coast and fracking on its lands.

I look forward to working on the Natural Resources Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources to resolve these and other major challenges.

Selected bills on energy and the environment co-sponsored by Congressman Soto:

H.R. 468 - Foreign Spill Protection Act of 2017 - make foreign facilities liable for removal costs and damages that result from oil spills that reach (or threaten to reach) U.S. navigable waters, adjoining shorelines, or the EEZ.

H.R. 502 - To permanently reauthorize the Land and Water Conservation Fund - to make permanent the authorization for the Land and Water Conservation Fund.

More on Energy & Environment

Washington, D.C. – Today, President Trump signed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2018, which includes the bipartisan Foreign Spill Protection Act, co-introduced by freshman Representative Darren Soto (FL-09) and Republican Representative Carlos Curbelo (FL-26). This legislation (H.R. 468), led by Rep. Curbelo, would ensure foreign entities that cause an oil spill into U.S. waters and shores are also responsible for all cleanup costs.

As a Floridian, I know we are blessed by natural wonders like the Everglades and our world-class estuaries. But in recent decades, their ecological health has been threatened by pollution, hazardous waste and challenges like stormwater runoff that come with a growing population. That’s why it’s so concerning that the federal government is on the verge of ending long-standing partnerships that work to keep these treasures safe and productive — and that protect our health and prosperity.

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Darren Soto released the following statement today after the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced plans to repeal the Clean Power Act, policy which sets limits on carbon pollution from fossil fuel power plants.

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Darren Soto introduced H.R.3829, The Uniform Federal Grants for Resilient Infrastructure and Design (TUFGRID) Act of 2017, legislation that will help make our nation’s electric infrastructure more resilient to natural disasters. The bill is designed to provide grants to states, local governments, and electric utilities for long-term investment in durable electric infrastructure.

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Darren Soto sent a letter to Mr. Benjamin Friedman, Acting Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere, at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), addressing concerns that NOAA has not yet acquired backup Hurricane Hunter aircrafts after Congress approved a provision requiring so earlier this year.